Source:  The Donkey Sanctuary News Release/Emma Gill

  Donkeys put their best foot forward for Palm Sunday services

Donkeys from international welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary will be stepping out to take part in Palm Sunday services around the region on Sunday 17th April.

Photo:  The Donkey Sanctuary

Shirgar, one of the Sanctuary’s popular education and activities donkeys, will once again be leading the procession to the main Palm Sunday service at Exeter Cathedral. The procession leaves for the Cathedral from the city’s historic Guildhall at 9:30am.

Donkeys from The Donkey Sanctuary are also taking part in five other Palm Sunday services at churches in Colyton, Honiton, Kilmington, Ottery St Mary and West Hill.

Emma Gill, PR Officer for The Donkey Sanctuary, says:

“Each of the donkeys taking part is chosen for their gentle temperament and love of being around people, and is given special training to make sure that they will be comfortable and confident with their role on the day. The donkeys make a great visual and tactile link to the biblical Easter story, and we feel very privileged to be a part of these community events.

“Our work with communities extends further than East Devon. We work closely with donkey owning communities in Egypt, Ethiopia India, Kenya and Mexico to equip them to deliver better care for their donkeys. We want to make sure that whether the donkeys are taking part in a Palm Sunday procession in the UK or carrying bricks from an Indian brick kiln, the welfare of donkeys is always promoted.”